Israel Kills Over 300 in Lebanon, Rejects Ceasefire Amid U.S.-Iran Talks

The two-day-old U.S.-Iran ceasefire collapsed as Israel intensified strikes on Lebanon, killing at least 303 people.

Prime Minister Netanyahu declared there is no cease-fire in Lebanon and vowed to continue striking Hezbollah.

Al Jazeera

The United States and Israel insisted Lebanon was not included in the ceasefire, while Iran and NATO countries said it was.

Kuwait's army said it was fending off drone attacks targeting vital facilities.

The Strait of Hormuz remained effectively closed, disrupting a fifth of the world's oil and gas supply.

Supreme Leader Khamenei called the Iranian people definitive victors and vowed Iran would not allow the criminal aggressors to go unpunished.

Netanyahu announced Israel would begin direct negotiations with Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah.

Lebanese officials responded that there would be no negotiations under fire.

Al Jazeera

The U.S. State Department confirmed it would host talks next week.

The announcement came after Israel conducted its deadliest strikes on Lebanon.

The timing led to speculation the strikes were aimed at undermining the U.S.-Iran ceasefire.

Supreme Leader Khamenei called the Iranian people definitive victors.

He said Iran did not seek war but would not allow aggressors to go unpunished.

He emphasized the importance of continued public participation in the battle against U.S. and Israeli aggression.

He vowed Iran would take management of the Strait of Hormuz into a new phase.

Oil prices rose about 3 percent to $98 a barrel after briefly topping $110.

Saudi Arabia acknowledged widespread damage to its energy sector.

Al-Jazeera Net

The International Monetary Fund announced it would downgrade its global growth outlook.

The Strait of Hormuz remained effectively closed.

Drone attacks hit Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates, killing at least 13 people in the Gulf.